From June 30 to July 4, 2025, the Smart Customs Project of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Funded by the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the agency conducted a study mission to Rio de Janeiro to analyze blockchain technology applications implemented by Brazilian Customs.
According to the official statement of the WCO, the mission brought together more than 30 participants, including prominent officials from the Brazilian Customs, Felipe Mendes Moraes (General Coordinator of the Customs Administration), Ronaldo Salles Feltrim Correa (Deputy Superintendent), and Sergio García da Silva Alencar (Customs Operations Coordinator). Also participating were representatives from the Information Technology Department, service providers, the Customs Law Committee of the State Bar Association (OAB), and the customs administrations of Paraguay and Uruguay, with delegates from Argentina and Bolivia connected remotely.
El The main objective was to examine the use of the bConnect blockchain platform for the exchange of information on Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) and the implementation of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) between MERCOSUR member countries.The WCO highlighted that “the analysis explored the rationale for selecting an MRA as the initial scenario for developing the bConnect blockchain platform, also recognizing its potential to extend the solution to other use cases, such as information sharing.”
During the mission, the WCO team also learned about Brazil's recent innovations in the use of Cloud computing, artificial intelligence for AEO certification, X-ray image analysis for inspections, and passenger risk assessment. A visit was also made to Rio de Janeiro International Airport to observe the implementation of the facial recognition system for customs controls.
The statement emphasized that "the mission highlighted the Brazilian Customs' strong institutional commitment to innovation and regional cooperation to promote technological modernization of customs."
Finally, the WCO reported that "the Smart Customs Project will continue developing a case report and exploring its members' practices regarding the adoption of disruptive technologies for customs modernization and global collaboration."
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
